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MEMORIAL 



CAPT. DALLAS, or the 12th U. S. Infantry, 



ADDRESSED TO THE 



^nuitc HXilitari) Committee, 

WITH ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTS. 
1861. 



s*o< 18 70 



+ 67 



f*tt 



MEMORIAL. 



To the Honorable Committee xipon Military Affairs of the 
United States Senate : 

Senators, — During the last session of Oongress, my name 
was presented to tlie United States Senate by President Lincoln, 
for their concurrence in ray appointment as a Captain in the 
Twelfth Regiment of Infantry. As I am informed, ray charac- 
ter and military antecedents were submitted for examination to 
your Honorable Committee, who, on an exparte statement of 
some person unknown to me, decided to report to the Senate, 
as their recommendation, that it was inexpedient that the ap- 
pointment should be confirmed. Accordingly, on or about the 
8th day of August ray nomination was rejected, and I ceased 
any longer to hold the rank of Captain in the U. S. Army. 

On receiving information to that effect, I deemed it my duty 
to proceed to Washington, and investigate the causes producing 
ray rejection. I arrived there on the 10th day of August, and 
immediately prepared a letter (Exhibit No. 1) to Brigadier 
General Wra. B. Franklin, the Colonel of the Twelfth Infantry. 
This letter I submitted to Prof. A. D. Bacho, Superintendent 
U. S. Coast Survey, who was cognizant of the facts therein 
stated. Mr. Bache endorsed my letter, as given in Exhibit 
No. 2. 

These letters I delivered in person to General Franklin, at his 
Headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia ; General Franklin ini- 



medifitely wrote tlie letter addressed to the President, herewith 
appended, and marked Exhibit N^o. 3. Adjutant-General 
Thomas also endorsed my papers witli the remarks contained 
in Exhibit No. 4. 

Senator Milton S. Latham, of your Honorable Committee, 
after examining my statement and accompanying letters, went 
with me to the President's house, and introduced me to Mr. 
Lincoln. Senator Latham was so much convinced of the great 
wrong that had been done me, that he did not hesitate to urge 
upon the President, in the strongest terms, my reinstatement to 
my former position. His Excellency, the President, impressed 
with the arguments used by the honorable Senator, gave the 
order contained in Exhibit No. 5. 

My next step was to seek the Secretary of War, Hon. Simon 
Cameron. The arduous duties of his very re?ponsible j)osition 
prevented him from according me a personal interview, and I 
was informed through the Adjutant-General and Senator La- 
tham, that he would have to decline reappointing me, on the 
ground that the decision of the honorable Senate, during their 
recess, was to bim a finality. 

The same evening, Senator Latham, in order to make my 
documentary evidence as complete as possible, at my request, 
endorsed upon my papers the substance of his remarks to his 
Excellency, the President. They will be found in Exhibit 
No. 6, herewith appended, together with the concurrence of 
Senator Henry Wilson, Chairman of your Iionorable Commit- 
tee which was subsequently added. 

His Excellency, Mr. Lincoln, according me a ready interview, 
with that benevolence of character for whicli he is so distin- 
guished, took my papers for personal examination, and on Sat- 
urday, August 17, reaffirmed his contingent oi'dcr for my rein- 
Btatement. Exhibit No. 7. 

On Monday, August 19, 1861, introduced to tlie presence of 



Mr. Cameron by your honorable Chairman, my reinstatement 
was directed by the honorable Secretary of War, in the order 
appended, and marked Exhibit ISTo. 8. 

According to the statement of Senator Latham, I was accused 
of having been dismissed from the Kavy and Marine Corps. 
This, if true, would have amply justified your honorable Com- 
mittee in your recommendation to the Senate, but the facts, as 
shown in the appendix, prove conclusively — 

J^Yi'sf.- — That my failure to pass my examination at the Naval 
Academy, was solely caused by temporary incapacity to acquire 
the study of mathematics from phj'sical weakness. That this 
weakness was the result of continued exposure for four years in 
the active service of the Government, in the line of my duties. 
On the Mexican coast, during the war, prostrated by yellow 
fever. In the East Indies, in a proverbially sickly and danger- 
ous climate, prostrated by dysentery ; this clinging to me in a 
chronic form, and preventing necessary mental application. 
That neither legally nor technically could i\\\Q failure be termed 
a dismissal. 

Secondly. — That my mental capacity was unimpaired from 
the fact, that shortly after my examination, I was employed 
successfully by the United States Coast Survey, both acting in 
command on board ship, and as an assistant in more scientific 
duties, requiring a good knowledge of mathematics. 

Thirdly. — That my confirmation by the Senate in 1854:, for 
the position of Second Lieutenant in the U. S. Marine Corps, 
was an evidence tliat^ (at a time when, as remarked by Prof. 
Bache in his appended letter, " the circumstances of my being 
dropped were comparatively recent,") I was then considered a 
capable and trustworthy officer. 



Fourthly. — That I loastiot dismissed from the Marhie Corps, 
a purely military organization, and a corps of the same army 
in which I now hold a position, but resigned for personal rea- 
sons, with the expressed regret of my superior officers, and with 
an excellent military and social reputation. 

Tiiough feeling, that with the evidence adduced personally to 
two members of your honorable Committee, I am secure in your 
favorable recommendation to the Senate for my confirmation, in 
this my second nomination by President Lincoln, yet I have 
thought it but right to thus put upon record the facts connected 
with my rejection and reinstatement, as not only due to my own 
personal respect, but as also due to the high character that my 
family has ever borne in the councils as Avell as battles of my 
country. 

I desire to state that I am not a citizen of the District of 
Columbia. I am and have been for years a citizen of the State 
of New York. 

All of which is most respectfully submitted, by 
Your most obedient servant, 

ALEXANDER J. DALLAS, 

Captain 12th U. S. Lifantry. 



APPENDIX 



Exhibit No. 1. 

letter from Capf. Dallas to Brig. GerCl. Wm. B. FranUin, 
U. S. Army. 

Washington, Aug. 10, 18G1. 

General, — 

^fe * * % * * * 

In the spring of 1846, I was appointed a midshipman in the Navy of 
the United States, and ordered to report for examination at the Academy, 
in October. This examination, I passed creditably.* 

In the early part of 1847, I was ordered to the coast of Mexico, at first 
under command of Commander D. G. Farragut; then, Lieut. Com'd'g 
Thomas Turner; afterwards acting as Aid to Commodore M. C. Perry, 
leaving the station, at the close of the war, in the sloop " John Adams," 
Commander S. B. Wilson. From nearly all these gentlemen, I received 
commendatory letters. f 

My next cruise was in the same waters, mostly attached to the schr. 
" Flirt," Lt. Comd'g. E. Farrand. My last cruise was in the East Indies, 
sloop " Marion," Commander Glendy. In this cruise was laid the founda- 
tion of that illness which undoubtedly caused my failure to pass the exam- 
ination which resulted in my dismissal. In the Straits of Sunda, I was 
attacked, after a severe day's work, with dysentery. I was totally unable 
to leave my cot until the ship arrived in China, and so completely unfitted 
for duty, that I was sent home in the sloop "Plymouth," Commander 
Gedney. 

On the passage I did very little duty, and on arriving at Norfolk, Vir- 
ginia, was sent to the Naval Hospital, under charge of Dr. Barrabino, with 



* Number four of a class of about thirtj'. 

f With Capt. Farragut, after six months' service, I performed Lieutenant's 
duties. 



ray disease fast assuming a chronic form. This was in the latter part of 
January, 1851, after a uearly continuous sea service of four years. Here 
I remained, weakened mentally and physically, and thoroughly unfitted 
for systematic study, until the latter jiart of March, when knowing that 
many of my classmates were at the Academy, and anxious to avail myself 
of the opportunity of study, I repaired thither. Though never formally 
upon the sick-list, owing to my desire not to miss drills and recitations, I 
was nevertheless a constant sufferer and visitor at the Dispensary. 

On the first of June of the same year, there occurred the semi-annual 
examination upon such studies as had been pursued during the past term. 
They consisted, as far as ray recollection serves, of Infantry Tactics, 
French, Spanish, and Mathematics. There were no doubt others which 
have escaped me.* I passed in all branches, except Mathematics. My 
conduct-roll was excellent ; of these facts the Navy Department has prob- 
ably a record. 

The case, then, stands simply thus, so far as relates to this dismissal. 
After a continuous sea service of nearly four years, part of the time in 
active duty as aid during a war, twice j^^ostraied by disease, yelloio 
fever and dysentery, the latter clinging to me in a chronie form, I was 
allowed bat about fifty days to acquire habits of study, loxSig 

LOST BY THE VARIOUS VICISSITUDES OF AN ACTIVE SEA LIFE, and p'C- 

pare myself for an examination, which was to 'be considered final, if I 
failed in any single branch, though the question of seamanship ivas not 
to be propounded in any form.\ Without, therefore, examining me on 
that point, they j^ronounced me not qualified for the Navy, and sent me 
forth into the world to do the best I might, weakened by disease, con- 
tracted in my country's service, and stamped at the threshhold of my career 
in life as an incompetent man. This was cruel. It was more, it was un- 
justifiable, for at least, if you require anything of your servant, you should 
give him the means of performing his duty. 

Every effort was made by myself, and such officers as Commodores Mor- 
ris, Jos. Smith, and Rousseau, and others, who acknowledged th^ injustice 
that was done me, to have me granted another trial, but without success. 



* Since the above was written, I have examined the records of the Department, 
and find that my memory lias served me accurately, with the addition of Drawing, 
Other branches not examined upon were Fencing, Artilleiy Practice, and exercise 
"with ship's guns. 

\ The laws regulating the period of probation as midshipman, at, the time of my 
entrance into the service, were such that my final examination under them would 
have not taken place for a year from this time. 



7 nov) found employment on the United States Coast Survey, and 2)er- 
formed at various times the duties of a Lieutenant in the Navy — an 
ample refutation of the charge of unfitness for the service. 1 was for 
some time in command of various vessels belonging to the Coast Survey, 
and ivas only deprived of this employment, when a proper economy 
induced the use of an officer of the Navy for this jnirpose. 

Having been offered a commission in the U. S. Marine Corps, I accepted 
the same, and served for one year in barracks, and in charge on ship- 
board, with the commendation of my superiors. The hite Brig. Gen'). 
Henderson, did me the honor to say of me, " that I was one of the best 
drilled officers that had ever left his Headquarters." And in reference to 
ray career in the Marine Corps, Major Russell, now in the city, can also 
testify. I gave up my position in the Corps, Sept. 24, 1855, for the reason 
that having inherited sonie property, I desired to enjoy more completely 
the comforts of home with my family, in some civil occupation. 

I had no intention of again entering military life, nor should I have done 
so, but for the present unhappy condition of our country, when fired with 
that military ambition, which has never been extinguished in my breast, I 
again offered my services to my country. Not satisfied with the empty 
offer, I gave up my position in New York under the Central Park Com- 
mission, and coming to Washington, enlisted as a private in Captain 
Smead's National Kitles. I confidently refer to Captain Smead's letter to 
the Adjutant General, recommending me for promotion. I was finally de- 
tailed from my Company for special duty in the Adjutant General's Office, 
where I remained until appointed a Captain in your regiment. 

On the 8th ult. the Senate rejected my nomination. 

If, General, I felt that I was wanting in ability for this position, you 
will give me credit when I assert, I would never have sought it ; and the 
grief and mortification I must necessarily feel at this rejection by the Hon- 
orable Senate has been tempered also by the warm sympathy I have re- 
ceived from my new associates in arras, as well as those to whom I am 
known by the evidence of a life of thirty-one years. 

As the Colonel of my late regiment, as a gentleraan in whose esti- 
mation I would stand well, I have written this letter to you, and I re- 
spectfully beg that you will use it in any way that may best conduce to my 
restoration to the army, and thus give me an opportunity to vindicate the 
loyalty and patriotism of a family name which has ever stood prominently 
and well with the country. 

I am. General, 

With much respect, 

A. J. Dallas, 
Late Captain 12th U. S. Infantry. 



Sxliibit TVo. 2. 

Letter from Prof. A. D. Bciche, Supt. U. S. Coast Survey, to Brig. 
Gen. Wm. B. Franklin, JJ. S. Army. 

To Brig. Gen. Wm. B. Franklin, U. S. A. : 

General, — The facts contained in the accompanying letter of Mr. A. J. 
Dallas are so clearly stated that they need no enforcement from me ; yet 
as they are known to me personally, and he has my warmest regard, I 
do not feel at liberty to decline giving the fullest endorsement to his state- 
ment, I am convinced that there must have been some mistake in regard 
to his rejection, having had occasion to believe that his case was to be fo- 
vorably reported on. You luill observe, General, that he was confirmed 
by the Senate for the Marine Corps, when the circumstance of his being 
dropped from the Navy were comparatively recent. 2 his should cor- 
rect any unfavorable idea in the present case, and leave to Mr. Dallas' 
conduct and capacity, as exhibited to you in his recent connection with 
you as recruiting officer, to determine, at his present mature age, his ca- 
pacity and qualifications, as a Captain, in your regiment. 

If, as I understand, your judgment is favorable to Mr. Dallas, I would 
earnestly plead that you will bring his case before the President, giving 
him the evidence of mistake in the determination, which may induce tlis 
Excellency to restore Mr. Dallas to bis position, and again present his 
name to the Senate, when there will be ample time and opportunity to 
examine into the matter. 

Very respectfully and truly yours, 

A. D. BAcnn:. 



B^xhibit i^o. 3. 

Letter of Brig. GerCl. Wm. B. Franklin, U. S. Army, to the President 
of the United States. 

Alexandria, Va., Aug. 12th, 1861. 

Dear Sir, — One of the Captains of the 12th infantry. Captain A. J. 
Dallas, has been rejected by the Senate. I do not know what were 
the reasons for this rejection, but I do know that he served under my 
command as recruiting officer in New York for about two weeks; that ho 



performed his duties faithfully, and witli ability, while be was there, and 
gave every indication that he would make an excellent ofScer at the very 
time the services of good oflBcers are so much needed. 

I transmit a letter stating his case, with an endorsement from Mr. A. 
D. Bache, giving an account of the probable reasons which induced his 
rejection. I believe both statements entitled to entire confidence, and I 
think, under the circumstances, it would be an act of sheer justice to Mr. 
Dallas to reinstate him, and let him have another trial before the Senate. 

I am so hurried by my duties here, that I do not, perhaps, present the 
case as strongly as I might, hut I am convinced that by the rejection 
OF Mr. Dallas, the country loses the services of ax excellent 

OFFICER. 

I hope that you will feel that you can reinstate him, and I take the liberty 

of addressing you on the subject, because he is in my own regiment. 

Very respectfully yours, 

Wm. B. Franklin, 

Brig. Gen'l. 
Hon. A. LiN'coLN, 

President of the United States. 



Exhibit IVo. 4. 

Endorsement of the Adjutant General JJ. S. Army. 

Prior to the date of the appointment of Captain Dallas, and at the time, 
he (then in the Volunteer Service) was on duty in my office assisting 
Major Garesche, in his important duties. He was assiduous in the per- 
formance of his duties, and I was induced to urge his appointment in the 
army. I regretted to hear of his rejection by the Senate. 
August 13th, 1861. 

L. Thomas, 

Adjt. Gen'l. 



Exhibit No. 5. 

First Order of the President of the United States. 

It is said Captain Dallas was rejected by the Senate through mistake. 
If Gen. Thomas can be satisfied to a reasonable degree of certainty, that 
this is true, let Captain Dallas be re-appointed at once. 

A. Lincoln. 

August 14tb, 1861. 

2 



10 



Exhibit i\o. 6. 

Endorsement of Senator Milton S. Latham, with concurrence of 
Senator Henry Wilson. 

It was stated in the Military Committee of tbe Senate, that Captain 
Dallas was dismissed from the Navy and Marine Corps. This caused his 
rejection. Had the truth been known, he would have been confirmed by 
the Senate, and endorsed by the Committee without doubt. In my 
opinion a great wrong has been done this gentleman. 

Mjlton S. Latham, 

Of S. Mil. Com. 
I concur in the above. 

H. Wilson, 

Chairman Mil. Com. 



Exhibit I\o. 7. 

Second Order of the President of the United States. 

I repeat, that if Adjutant General Thomas is reasonably well satisfied, 
that Captain Dallas was rejected by the Senate, through a misapprehen- 
sion of facts, he is to be re-appointed. It is the opinion of the Adjutant 
General and of General Franklin, as shown by what they have written 
within, that he is a good officer. 

A. Lincoln. 

August 17th, 1801. 



Exhibit rVo. 8. 

Decision of Honorable Secretary Cameron as to the reinstatement of 
Captain Dallas. 

I made this appointment from a conviction of the fitness of Mr. Dallas* 
and have been greatly surprised to hear of his rejection, and the great 
wrong done him, but my habitual respect for the Senate compels me to 
submit to its decision. I shall order no re-appointment after a rejection, 
in the recess of the Senate. 

In this case the President has assumed the responsibility, and I cheer- 
fully submit to his decision. 

Simon Camkuon. 

August 19th, 1861. 















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